Can anyone suggest an decent digital multimeter?

[Daox]

I'm looking for a new 'niceish' digital multimeter. Unfortunately, both of my nicer ones have kicked the bucket this year for whatever reason. I have a couple of the harbor freight cheapos, and they work for the most part, but I honestly don't trust them THAT much. So, I'm looking for suggestions. Price should be under or around $50 ideally. I don't need features up the wazoo. I use it mainly for dc electronics work. Almost never for AC stuff. Can you guys suggest something that'll work well and last? Or at least some brand names to check out?

[oil pan 4]

I only ever use fluke meters.
My oldest one is 11 years old now and I got it used in 2005.
Some of the lower end fluke meters should be around $50 used.

[jakobnev]

You might want to check out EEVBlog episodes #91 and #99. (on youtube)


($50 and $100 multimeter shootouts.)

[Daox]

A little googling shows this one won a 'under $50 multimeter' shootout. Anyone ever hear of Mastech? It seems quite nice and I like the additional meters it has (lux meter, humidity, temperature, decibel) in addition to the normal voltage, amperage, resistance, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JKMTDM...Q5HYCBMZ&psc=1

[oil pan 4]

One of the most useful features I have found is the AC and DC amp clamp on my fluke325.
I don't usually have leads on the fluke325 because I mostly use it as an amp clamp.
DC for measuring battery charging or discharging rate, amp draw for an engine starter, solar panel output, DC welding current measurement, 120v inverter power draw.

AC for measuring mostly how much power the circuits in my breaker box are using, gemerator and inverter out put and AC welding output.

AC amp clamp meters are cheap. DC capable one are a lot more expensive

[Daox]

AC amp clamp is pretty common. I think DC amp clamp is a spendier feature, no?

[oil pan 4]

Yeah the difference between the fluke with AC only amp clamp function compared to an AC/DC amp clamp meter like I have is about $100.
But whenever I am messing with my solar panels I always use it.
I highly recommend anyone playing with DC power systems get a DC clamp.
For example when I install a new DC power system I will check that I am not over loading wire, fuses, breakers or relays that I used in the circuit.

[ksa8907]

I got this one for christmas a couple years ago, i like it well enough. Some day I'll get a fluke.
Mastech MS2108A Auto Range DC AC Current Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter Voltage Frequency Meter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EN7VSHK..._tNIqyb4PMKDKD

[Stubby79]

If you want a DC capable clamp amp meter on the cheap, I got mine off ebay. I have little to no use for an AC only clamp meter.

New Clamp Meter DC/AC Max upto 400A 600V 1MHz Digital | eBay

I'd not use it to read milliamps, but any appreciable current - like I would normally be reading - it works well. I needed something that could handle high currents, and it's hella convenient that I don't have to put it in-line to see what's going on.